JP5212234B2 - Navigation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a navigation device.

  Conventionally, there has been a navigation device disclosed in Patent Document 1. When a designated time that is the future or current time is input via the operation input unit, the navigation device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 specifies a range of a map to be displayed, and maps the specified range of map data to map data. The information is acquired from the storage unit, the traffic information at the specified time is acquired from the traffic information storage unit, and the link and the traffic information are associated with each other and displayed on the display unit.

JP 2007-183109 A

  By the way, normally, in a navigation device, when it is desired to check the required time from the current position to the destination, it is necessary to set the destination and search for a route to the destination. Further, when setting a destination, it is necessary to search the destination from the facility list or to search by inputting the name of the destination. In this way, there is a problem that it takes time to notify the required time from the current position to a certain point because the destination is set or the route is searched after the destination is set. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device that can shorten the time required to notify the required time to a certain point.

In order to achieve the above object, the navigation device according to claim 1
Current position detection means for detecting the current position of the host vehicle;
Map display means for displaying a map including the current position;
Range setting means for setting a predetermined range including the current position;
A first required time calculating means for setting a route from the current position to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range, and calculating a required time in the route;
A storage means for storing the required time for each route;
An instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction of a point on the map displayed by the map display means;
A second required time calculating unit that sets a route from the current position to a point where the instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit, and calculates a required time in the route using the required time stored in the storage unit;
Informing means for informing the required time calculated by the second required time calculating means,
The range setting means is for setting a plurality of ranges having different widths.
In the case where a plurality of ranges are set, the first required time calculation means, in the narrowest range set by the range setting means, routes from the current position to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the narrowest range In the outer range set so as to surround the other range by the range setting means, from the point on the road corresponding to the end of the range surrounded by the outer range , Set a route to the point on the road corresponding to the end of the outer range, calculate the required time on that route,
The storage means stores the required time for each route for each range set by the range setting means,
The second required time calculating means sets a route from the current position to the point where the instruction is accepted by the instruction accepting means, searches for a range including the point where the instruction is accepted by the instruction accepting means, The required time is calculated using the required time corresponding to the searched range out of the required times stored in the storage means.

In this way, the required time of the route from the current position to the end of the predetermined range is calculated and stored in advance, and the required time from the current position to the point indicated by using the saved required time By calculating and notifying, it is possible to shorten the time until the required time is notified. Moreover, since the instruction of the point received by the instruction receiving means is performed by the user, it is often different each time. That is, instructions are often given randomly. Therefore, as in claim 3, by setting a plurality of ranges and calculating the required time from a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the outer range Even when the point is instructed at random, it is possible to prevent the time until the required time is notified from being extended.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information including traffic congestion information indicating the degree of traffic congestion on the road, wherein the first required time calculation means and the second required time calculation means include The required time may be calculated in consideration of traffic information acquired by the acquisition means.

By doing so, it is possible to notify a more accurate required time.

According to a third aspect , in addition to the required time calculated by the second required time calculating means, the notifying means provides the second required time calculating means among the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquiring means. The traffic information corresponding to the set route may be notified.

By doing in this way, traffic jam information can be notified.

Further, as shown in claim 4 , the notification means may be notified by displaying an image indicating the content to be notified.

By doing in this way, it can make it easy to recognize the content of alerting | reporting.

Further, as shown in claim 5 , the notifying means displays an image indicating traffic information corresponding to the route set by the second required time calculating means, and includes a target point of the traffic information, a current position And a drawing showing the positional relationship with the point received by the instruction receiving means. By doing so, it is possible to inform where there is traffic jam and how long it will take to reach the point where the instruction is received.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the second required time calculating means is a road corresponding to the end of the range when the point where the instruction is received by the instruction receiving means is outside the range set by the range setting means. Set the route from the upper point to the point where the instruction is accepted by the instruction accepting means, calculate the required time on the route, and add it to the required time calculated using the required time saved in the saving means It may be. As described above, even when the point is out of the set range, the time until the required time is notified can be shortened by using the required time calculated in advance.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the network containing the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure explaining the calculation range (area) which calculates required time, (a) is an example of a square area, (b) is an example of a circle area. It is an image figure which shows the example of a display of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the example of the calculation range (area) and area end point of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the example of a route search to the area end point of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is an image figure which shows the example of route information preparation of the navigation apparatus in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  When the navigation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is displaying a map on the display device 60 and touches a position corresponding to the map displayed on the operation unit 50 (touch panel), the navigation apparatus 100 touches from the current position. The display device 60 has a specific configuration for informing the user by displaying the required time to the spot and traffic information on the display device 60. In other words, it is not necessary to search for a destination from a facility list or search by entering a destination name or the like, or to set a destination and then search for a route to calculate the required time (time lag) ), It is possible to know the required time from the current position to the point indicated (touched).

  The navigation device 100 is mounted on a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation system 10, the GPS receiver 20, the VICS receiver 30, the vehicle speed sensor 40, the operation unit 50, the display device 60, and a speaker 70 are provided. Etc. VICS is a registered trademark.

  The navigation system 10 (hereinafter also referred to as a navigation system) corresponds to a control unit of the navigation device 100, and includes an information processing device 1, a sensor unit 2, a link cost database 3, a traffic information database 4, a map database 5, and communication. The apparatus 6 etc. are provided.

  The information processing apparatus 1 is configured by a computer including a CPU, a timer, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and the like. The information processing apparatus 1 (CPU) is stored in a flash memory or the like according to a program stored in the ROM, such as signals and data from the outside (sensor unit 2, GPS receiver 20, vehicle speed sensor 40, map database 5, etc.). Calculations are performed using data and the like, and various processes are executed while temporarily storing the calculation results in the RAM. Various processes performed by the information processing apparatus 1 include an image display process, a map scale change process, a destination setting process, a route search process, a route guidance process, a current position specifying process, a current position correcting process, and a volume adjusting process.

  Further, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a process for detecting the current position M based on information from the GPS receiver 20 (current position detection means), and the display apparatus 60 includes the current position M based on data from the map database 5. A process for displaying a map (map display means), a process for setting a predetermined range including the current position M (range setting means), and a route from the current position M to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range is set. Processing (first required time calculating means) for calculating the required time in the route using data of the link cost database 3, the traffic information database 4, and the map database 5, and the calculated required time in the RAM or flash memory for each route. Processing for saving (saving means) and processing for receiving an instruction of a point on the map displayed on the display device 60 by the operation unit 50 (instruction receiving means) A process (second required time calculating means) that sets a route from the current position M to the point where the instruction is received and calculates the required time in the route using the required time stored in the RAM or flash memory (second required time calculating means) A process (notification means) for notifying the display device 60 of the required time from the current position to the point where the instruction is received is also performed.

  Note that the process of setting a predetermined range including the current position M is performed in advance in order to quickly notify the time required from the current position to the point indicated (the point on the map touched via the operation unit 50). This is the range for calculating the required time from the current position M.

  This range is, for example, a plurality of rectangular ranges (area A, area B, area C) centered on the current position M as shown in FIG. 3A, or the current position M as shown in FIG. A plurality of round ranges (area A, area B, area C) are set. In this embodiment, an example in which a plurality of ranges are set will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single range may be set.

  However, since it is the user who instructs the point, it is often different each time. That is, a point is often instructed at random. Therefore, as described above, by setting a plurality of ranges and calculating the required time from the point on the road corresponding to the end of the range to the point on the road corresponding to the end of the outer range, Even when the location is instructed by the user, it is possible to prevent the time until the required time is notified from being extended.

  This range may be fixed to a preset range, or may be changed by a relative distance from the current position according to a map scale (display level). When the range is fixed and the scale of the map is detailed, the processing time may be shortened by not calculating the required time in a wide area.

  Further, this range may be set based on the estimated movement time. In this case, the time is determined according to the scale of the map. For example, an interval of 5 minutes may be set for details, and an interval of 20 minutes for wide areas. In the case of a round shape, the range is set from the moving time to the distance.

  The point on the road corresponding to the end of the range set in this way is a point where the road included in the range and the end of the range intersect. In the example shown in FIG. 6, this point is, for example, a point A1 provided at 10 places in the area A and a point B1 provided at 14 places in the area B. Note that this point may be a point where the end of the range intersects with all roads included in the range, or a point where the end of the range intersects with a specific road such as a main road included in the range. Alternatively, a point where the displayed map level road and the end of the range intersect may be used.

  Further, when the route from the current position M to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range is set, the information processing device 1 sets a route including a road on which the vehicle on which the navigation device 100 is mounted passes frequently. May be. However, in this case, the navigation apparatus 100 needs to count the road through which the vehicle on which it is mounted passes to obtain the frequency and store it in a flash memory or the like.

  Further, when setting a route from the current position M to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range, the information processing apparatus 1 may set a route with the lowest route cost.

  Further, when setting the route from the current position M to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range, the information processing apparatus 1 changes the target road type according to the distance from the current position M to the point indicated. May be set. For example, when the distance from the current position M to the designated point is less than 100 km, a route is set for the main road, and when the distance from the current position M to the designated point exceeds 100 km, the main road and the highway A route may be set for a road.

  Further, as will be described later, the navigation device 100 employs an example including a configuration (traffic information acquisition means) that acquires traffic information including traffic jam information indicating the degree of traffic jam on the road from the center 200. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 1 may use the acquired traffic information when calculating the required time from the current position to the point indicated. By doing so, it is possible to notify a more accurate required time.

  The sensor unit 2 includes a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like in order to detect a vehicle position and direction by self-contained navigation. The link cost database 3 (denoted as link cost DB in the figure) 3 stores data indicating the link cost of the link between the nodes for calculating the link cost. A traffic information database (referred to as a traffic information DB in the figure) 4 includes data that can specify the degree of congestion as traffic information received from the center 200 via the communication device 6 and the road where the congestion occurs. Data that can specify the section is stored.

  The map database (denoted as map DB in the figure) 5 stores map data for map display. Map data includes map matching data for improving position accuracy, road data including road piece (link) and intersection (node) position information, information on connection relations between intersections and road pieces, facility position information and land Various data such as facility data having a mark are included. The facility data includes a plurality of entries for each facility, and each entry includes data indicating name information, location information, facility type information, and the like of the target facility.

  The communication device 6 has a function capable of communicating with the center 200 via a radio base station or the like. For example, the communication device 6 is composed of a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a car phone and is connected to the navigation system 10 so as to be easily detachable Has been. Of course, you may incorporate the communication apparatus 6 so that it cannot attach or detach easily to the navigation system 10. FIG.

  The GPS receiver 20 receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites and outputs information for specifying the current position and direction of the vehicle to the navigation system 10. The VICS receiver 30 includes a VICS sensor unit and an FM multiplex broadcast receiver (both not shown). For example, road traffic information or FM by optical / radio wave beacons received by the VICS sensor unit from the VICS center. Road traffic information from the FM multiplex broadcast received by the multiplex broadcast receiver is output to the navigation system 10. The vehicle speed sensor 40 detects a speed from the rotation speed of each rolling wheel of the vehicle, and inputs a detection signal indicating the speed to the navigation system 10.

  For example, a touch panel integrated with the display device 60 can be used as the operation unit 50. When the touch panel is operated, the operation unit 50 performs various processes (for example, image display processing, map scale change processing, destination setting processing, route search execution processing, route guidance processing, current position specifying processing, (Execution of current position correction processing, volume adjustment processing, etc.) and input of various information.

  The display device 60 displays a navigation screen display for displaying, for example, a map for guiding vehicle travel, a guidance route, and an image showing a required time to the designated point in accordance with a video signal input from the navigation system 10. It is to be performed and is capable of full color display, and can be configured using a display screen such as TFT liquid crystal, organic EL, or plasma.

  The speaker 14 outputs a sound corresponding to the sound signal input from the navigation system 10. For example, you may make it alert | report by outputting by voice, such as required time. However, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the contents of the notification by displaying an image indicating the required time on the display device 60 for notification.

  Moreover, when the navigation apparatus 100 in this Embodiment alert | reports the image which shows the required time from the calculated present position to the point which received the instruction | indication on the display apparatus 60, the image which shows the acquired traffic information is also displayed on the display apparatus. You may make it alert | report at 60 (notification means). By doing in this way, traffic jam information can be notified.

  Further, when the navigation apparatus 100 displays an image indicating the required time and traffic information on the display device 60, as shown in FIG. 4, the target point of the traffic information (traffic jam), the current position, the indicated point, A schematic diagram 62 showing the positional relationship may be displayed. In the example of the schematic diagram 62 shown in FIG. 4, an image 62d showing the required time is displayed, an image 62a showing the current position M of the vehicle, an image 62b showing the point indicated, and a target point of traffic information (congestion) Is displayed so as to show the positional relationship between the target point of traffic information (traffic jam), the current position, and the instructed point. By doing in this way, it is possible to notify where there is traffic and how long it takes to reach the designated point.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the image indicating the target point of the traffic information (traffic jam) is an image showing the degree of traffic jam, the name of the intersection where the traffic jam starts, the size of the traffic jam, and passing through the traffic jam. You may make it include time etc. In this way, you can also tell how long it will take to pass through the traffic.

  Further, in this schematic diagram 62, the scale ratio may be changed as the distance from the present location increases. Further, the schematic diagram 62 may be displayed by gradually increasing the scale. Further, the schematic diagram 62 may be displayed by changing the scale of the traffic jam displayed depending on the distance from the current position to the designated point. For example, when the distance is long (for example, 100 km), a small-scale traffic jam (for example, 1 km) is not displayed, and only a large-scale traffic jam (for example, 10 km) is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the schematic diagram is preferably displayed at a position different from the displayed map 61 because the map 61 can be prevented from becoming difficult to visually recognize.

Further, the notification (such as the display of the schematic diagram 62) may be output only while the position corresponding to the map displayed on the operation unit 50 (touch panel) is being touched.
In this way, when the touched position is changed, a notification (such as the display of the schematic diagram 62) corresponding to the shifted position is output.

  Also, the notification (such as the display of the schematic diagram 62) stops outputting after a predetermined time (several seconds) when there is no touch (operation) to the position corresponding to the map displayed on the operation unit 50 (touch panel). You may be made to do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation apparatus 100 having such a configuration is connected to the center 200 via a network.

  The center 200 collects probe data such as position and speed from a plurality of probes (a plurality of vehicles), generates traffic information indicating the degree of traffic congestion on the road, and distributes the generated traffic information to the plurality of vehicles. is there. The center 200 includes a server 201, a link travel time database 203 (referred to as a link travel time DB in the figure), a traffic information database 204 (referred to as a traffic information DB in the figure), a map database 205 (a map in the figure). DB)), a communication device 206, and the like.

  The server 201 collects probe data from the navigation device 100 mounted on a plurality of vehicles via the communication device 206, and uses the probe data and data stored in the link travel time database 203 and the map database 205. Traffic information indicating the degree of traffic congestion (including data that can identify the degree of traffic congestion and data that can identify the road section where the traffic jam occurs). Then, the server 201 stores the generated traffic information in the traffic information database 204. In addition, the server 201 transmits the traffic information stored in the traffic information database 204 to the navigation device 100 mounted on the vehicle via the communication device 206.

  The link travel time database 203 stores data indicating the link cost of links between nodes for calculating the link cost. The traffic information database 204 stores traffic information generated by the server 201. The map database 205 stores map data for map display. Map data includes map matching data for improving position accuracy, road data including road piece (link) and intersection (node) position information, information on connection relations between intersections and road pieces, facility position information and land Various data such as facility data having a mark are included. The facility data includes a plurality of entries for each facility, and each entry includes data indicating name information, location information, facility type information, and the like of the target facility.

  The communication device 206 is connected to a radio base station capable of communicating with each vehicle (navigation device 100) through a communication line, and performs radio communication with the navigation device 100 via the radio base station.

  Here, the processing operation of the navigation device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 starts when power is supplied to the navigation device 100.

  In step S1, the information processing apparatus 1 measures (detects) the current position. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 detects the current position M based on information from the GPS receiver 20 (current position detection means). Thereafter, the information processing apparatus 1 displays a map including the current position M on the display device 60 based on the data from the map database 5 (map display means).

  In step S2, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether there is an update of the current position. The information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the current position M has been updated. If it is determined that there is an update, the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that there is no update, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is a change in the scale of the map displayed on the display device 60. If it is determined that there is a change, the process proceeds to step S5 and determines that there is no change. In this case, the process proceeds to step S6.

  On the other hand, also in step S4, the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is a change in the scale of the map displayed on the display device 60. If it is determined that there is a change, the process proceeds to step S5, and there is no change. When it determines, it progresses to step S6.

  In step S <b> 5, the information processing apparatus 1 determines (sets) a predetermined range including the current position M based on the scale as a relative range from the current position M (range setting unit). The range set here is a range in which the required time from the current position M of the vehicle is calculated in advance. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, an example is adopted in which area A and area B are set by the process of step S5. The area A is the narrowest range among the plurality of ranges, and the area B is a wider range than the area A surrounding the area A.

  In step S <b> 6, the information processing apparatus 1 determines (sets) an end point road in area A. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 determines a point (A1 in FIG. 6) on the road corresponding to the end of the area A (first required time calculating unit). As shown in the present embodiment, when a plurality of ranges (area A, area B) are set, the process in step S6 is performed in the narrowest set range (here, area A). Is.

  Note that this point may be a point where the end of the range intersects with all roads included in the range, or a point where the end of the range intersects with a specific road such as a main road included in the range. Alternatively, a point where the displayed map level road and the end of the range intersect may be used.

  If it is determined in steps S3 and S4 that there is no change in scale, the range is already set at the scale of the map already displayed on the display device 60. Do.

  In step S7, the information processing apparatus 1 sets a route to the end point and calculates a required time. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 sets a route (thick line in FIG. 7) from the current position M to the point set in step S6, and calculates the required time on the route (first required time calculating means). That is, when a plurality of ranges are set, in the narrowest set range, a route from the current position M to the point on the road corresponding to the end of the narrowest range (here, area A) is set, The time required for the route is calculated. The required time is calculated using data of the link cost database 3, the traffic information database 4, and the map database 5. Further, the required time may be calculated only for a path in a radial direction with the current position M as the center.

  In step S8, the information processing apparatus 1 stores the result of the time required for each point (end point) calculated in step S7 in a RAM or a flash memory (storage unit). At this time, for example, the required time is stored in the RAM or flash memory for each path.

  Next, in step S <b> 9, the information processing apparatus 1 determines (sets) an end road in area B. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 determines a point (B1 in FIG. 6) on the road corresponding to the end of the area B (first required time calculating unit). As shown in the present embodiment, when a plurality of ranges (area A, area B) are set, the process in step S9 is set so as to surround another range (here area A). This is done in the outer area (area B).

  Note that this point may be a point where the end of the range intersects with all roads included in the range, or a point where the end of the range intersects with a specific road such as a main road included in the range. Alternatively, a point where the displayed map level road and the end of the range intersect may be used.

  In step S10, the information processing apparatus 1 sets a route (bold line in FIG. 7) from the end point of area A to the end point of area B, and calculates the required time. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 sets a route from the set point set in step S6 to the point set in step S9, and calculates a required time in the route (first required time calculating unit). In other words, when multiple ranges are set, in the outer range that is set to surround other ranges, from the point on the road corresponding to the end of the range that the outer range surrounds, to the end of the outer range A route to a point on the corresponding road is set, and a required time on the route is calculated. The required time is calculated using data of the link cost database 3, the traffic information database 4, and the map database 5. Further, the required time may be calculated only for a path in a radial direction with the current position M as the center.

  In step S11, the information processing apparatus 1 stores the result of the time required for each point (endpoint) calculated in step S7 in a RAM or a flash memory (storage unit). At this time, for example, the required time is stored in the RAM or flash memory for each path.

  In step S12, the information processing apparatus 1 determines a temporary destination instruction from the user. This is a process of receiving an instruction from a user at a point on the map displayed on the display device 60 by the operation unit 50 (instruction receiving means). That is, it is determined whether or not the position corresponding to the map displayed on the display device 60 in the operation unit 50 (touch panel) has been touched by the user. If it is determined that there is an instruction for a point from the user on the map displayed on the display device 60, the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is determined that there is no instruction, the process ends.

  In step S13, the information processing apparatus 1 determines an area including a temporary destination (a point touched by the user). If the point touched by the user is area A, the process proceeds to step S14. If the point touched by the user is area B, the process proceeds to step S15. If the point touched by the user is other than area A or area B, step S14 is performed. Proceed to S16. When only one range (area) is set, it is determined whether or not the point touched by the user is within the range.

  In step S14, the information processing apparatus 1 searches for a route from the current position M to the point where the instruction is received (temporary destination, touched point). Thereafter, the required time on the set route is calculated using the required time stored in the RAM or flash memory, and if necessary, the traffic information stored in the traffic information database 4 (second required time calculating means). That is, using the required time calculated in advance in step S7, the required time from the current position M to the point where the instruction is received is calculated.

  Further, for example, when the current position M and the temporary destination are not on the road (for example, the main road) used for obtaining the point in step S6, the data of the link cost database 3, the traffic information database 4, and the map database 5 are used. Use the current position M, set the route from the temporary destination to the road (for example, the main road), calculate the required time for the route, and add it to the required time stored in RAM or flash memory May be. Further, if the current position M or the temporary destination is not on the road (for example, the main road) used for obtaining the point in step S6, the current position M, the temporary destination to the road (for example, the main road) The processing time may be shortened by not calculating the route.

  Note that the route to the point where the instruction is received (temporary destination, touched point) may be the shortest distance route or a route that can be prioritized in time. The setting can be changed by the user.

  In step S15, the information processing apparatus 1 searches for a route from the end point of the area A (the point set in step S6) to the point where the instruction is received (temporary destination, touched point). Thereafter, the required time on the set route is calculated using the required time stored in the RAM or flash memory, and if necessary, the traffic information stored in the traffic information database 4 (second required time calculating means). That is, the required time from the current position M to the point where the instruction is accepted is calculated using the required time calculated in advance in step S7 and step S10.

  Also, for example, if the current position M or the temporary destination is not on the road (for example, the main road) adopted for obtaining the point in step S9, the data of the link cost database 3, the traffic information database 4, and the map database 5 are used. Use the current position M, set the route from the temporary destination to the road (for example, the main road), calculate the required time for the route, and add it to the required time stored in RAM or flash memory May be. Further, if the current position M or the temporary destination is not on the road (for example, the main road) used for obtaining the point in step S9, the current position M, the temporary destination to the road (for example, the main road) The processing time may be shortened by not calculating the route.

  Note that the route to the point where the instruction is received (temporary destination, touched point) may be the shortest distance route or a route that can be prioritized in time. The setting can be changed by the user.

  In step S16, the information processing apparatus 1 searches for a route from the end point of the area B (the point set in step S9) to the point where the instruction is received (temporary destination, touched point) (thick line in FIG. 8). . Thereafter, the required time on the set route is calculated using the data of the link cost database 3, the traffic information database 4, and the map database 5, and the current position calculated using the required time stored in the RAM or flash memory It is added to the required time from M to the end point of area B (second required time calculating means). That is, the required time from the current position M to the point where the instruction is accepted is calculated using the required time calculated in advance in step S7 and step S10. In addition, you may calculate by applying the traffic information memorize | stored in the traffic information database 4 as needed at this time.

  In this way, even when a point outside the set range is instructed (touched), the time required until the required time is notified can be obtained by using the required time calculated in advance. It can be shortened.

  Note that the route to the point where the instruction is received (temporary destination, touched point) may be the shortest distance route or a route that can be prioritized in time. The setting can be changed by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when calculating the route from the end point of the narrower range to the end point of the wider range, the road spanning the narrow range may not be calculated after that road. good.

  In step S17, the information processing apparatus 1 creates route information using the required time calculated in steps S14 to S16. This route information corresponds to a schematic diagram including the above-described required time and traffic information (such as traffic jam information).

  In step S18, the information processing apparatus 1 determines the display contents of the route information. For example, the display content is determined in accordance with the scale of the map displayed on the display device 60.

  In step S <b> 19, the information processing apparatus 1 notifies the display device 60 by displaying the route information (notification unit). That is, the display device 60 is notified by displaying the required time from the calculated current position M to the point where the instruction is received, traffic information, and the like. When displaying the route information on the display device 60, the route from the current position M to the point where the instruction is accepted may be displayed.

  The required time and traffic information may be notified by outputting the sound from a speaker, in addition to notifying by displaying on the display device 60.

  In this way, the required time of the route from the current position M to the end of the predetermined range is calculated and stored in advance, and the saved time is used to reach the point indicated from the current position M. By calculating and notifying the required time, the time until the required time is notified can be shortened. Also, by calculating and saving the required time of the route from the current position to the end of the predetermined range in advance, the concentration of processing load is avoided and the display speed on the display device 60 is improved (responsiveness is improved). can do.

  In this way, the time until the required time is notified can be shortened, which is suitable when a specific destination is not determined and there are a plurality of temporary destinations. That is, the user can know the required time to the point only by touching an arbitrary point (temporary destination) on the map displayed on the display device 60. Then, such a touch operation can be repeated to determine the actual destination.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus, 2 Sensor part, 3 Link cost DB (link cost database), 4 Traffic information DB (traffic information database), 5 Map DB (map database), 6 Communication apparatus, 10 Navigation system, 20 GPS receiver, 30 VICS receiver, 40 vehicle speed sensor, 50 operation unit, 60 display device, 70 speaker, 100 navigation device, 200 center, 300 probe, 400 VICS center

Claims (6)

Current position detection means for detecting the current position of the host vehicle;
Map display means for displaying a map including the current position;
Range setting means for setting a predetermined range including the current position;
A first required time calculating means for setting a route from the current position to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the range, and calculating a required time in the route;
Storage means for storing the required time for each route;
Instruction accepting means for accepting an instruction of a point on the map displayed by the map display means;
Second required time calculating means for setting a route from the current position to the point where the instruction is accepted by the instruction accepting means, and calculating the required time in the route using the required time stored in the storage means When,
And a notifying means for notifying the required time calculated by the second required time calculation means,
The range setting means sets a plurality of ranges having different widths,
In the case where a plurality of ranges are set, the first required time calculating means is a point on the road corresponding to the end of the narrowest range from the current position in the range set narrowest by the range setting means. In the outer range set so as to surround the other range by the range setting means, it corresponds to the end of the range surrounded by the outer range. Set a route from a point on the road to a point on the road corresponding to the end of the outer range, calculate the required time on that route,
The storage means stores the required time for each route for each range set by the range setting means,
The second required time calculating unit sets a route from the current position to a point where the instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit, and searches for a range including the point where the instruction is received by the instruction receiving unit. The navigation apparatus characterized in that the required time on the route is calculated using the required time corresponding to the searched range out of the required time stored in the storage means . A traffic information acquisition means for acquiring traffic information including traffic information indicating the degree of traffic congestion on the road;
The navigation according to claim 1 , wherein the first required time calculating means and the second required time calculating means calculate the required time in consideration of the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquiring means. apparatus. In addition to the required time calculated by the second required time calculating means, the notification means is a route set by the second required time calculating means in the traffic information acquired by the traffic information acquiring means. The navigation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the traffic information corresponding to the is notified. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the notification unit performs notification by displaying an image indicating a content to be notified . The notification means displays an image indicating the traffic information corresponding to the route set by the second required time calculation means , and the target point of the traffic information, the current position, and the instruction reception 4. The navigation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein a drawing showing a positional relationship with the point received by the means is displayed . The second required time calculating means, when the point where the instruction is received by the instruction receiving means is outside the range set by the range setting means, the instruction from the point on the road corresponding to the end of the range A route to the point where the instruction is received by the reception unit is set, a required time in the route is calculated, and added to the required time calculated using the required time stored in the storage unit. The navigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.